Who did you help today?

I want to forget about business blogging for a moment here and move the focus to something that is really more important entirely. What did you do today to help someone else? I’m not talking about in terms of your job either. What did you do TODAY to help someone outside of your comfort zone?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Most of what I’ve been focusing my energy on in terms of off the clock time has been personal projects, creating things and generally enjoying myself. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t have ‘me’ time but if someone came up to me today and asked what I’ve done TODAY to help someone else, I wouldn’t have an answer. That bothers me.

I do a lot of reading, writing, tweeting about business, tech, and social media. In fact I’d venture to guess that one of the top subjects on social media channels on any given day is…..social media. We’ve got these amazing sets of tools to connect with others and we seem to put in a lot of time talking about the tools themselves as well as talking to each other about how profit from them – instead of really thinking about how to leverage them for the greater good.

That’s not to say that this isn’t happening. I’ve loved Beth Kanter’s posts on how she helps non-profits through the use of social media. Mark Horvath’s Invisible People project is using the web to highlight the plight of the homeless in America. There is amazing work being done – but we need more of it, online and offline. Let’s face it, your local shelter might not necessarily need a Facebook page – they need funds and volunteers. While I think we should use our talents to help others, (which might include helping a non-profit with their social media outreach) sometimes we forget that we need to get out from behind the computers, listen to the needs of the community, and put boots on the ground. It has an impact – and let’s face it – it’s good for business.

I don’t have an answer here. Just a question. What can I (we) do that will have a measurable impact on someone else’s life (whom I know or don’t know) on a regular basis? I’ve getting some ideas together on how I can use some of my time to give back to organizations I care about, so I’m not paralyzed by indecision….just hoping to get you thinking too. What are YOU doing? I’d love your suggestions and stories, so fire away in the comments. Thanks.

7 Comments

Hey Ryan! I stumbled upon this in bjorn’s facebook as I was getting something together for the bar! ha! Yesterday i helped drive 2 loads of furniture to two seperate refugee families that have NOTHING. It was so sweet and they were so grateful. I will be doing more of this, if you’re interested…I just need more stuff. These people have literally nothing. Everyone thinks they are given so much by our government, but they are so wrong. It would be great if you could spread the word on how bad I need matresses, tables, and other furnishings for these people. Untill it’s donated to them, they are literally sleeping and eating on wood floors right here in our city of Utica. If anything comes about, I’ll even pick it up. My email is hmoksness@aol.com. If there is anything you can do to help, let me know! Keep up the good work! ~Heather

so when my kids were crying and wailing and I “helped” my wife by letting her take a nap thus saving both my girls lives as they recently have the devil inside of them. so in preserving two lives and saving my wife from going to jail, that’s not exactly what you were looking for, eh?

Thank you so much for the comment and the information. I’d love to help out and talk more with you about this. Is this something you’re doing in conjunction with an agency or just on your own? First things first I’ll see what I have as well as help spread the word. But count me in. I will be in touch via email.

The author has been keeping a daily journal. I think everyone should do this at least once a year. The gift or deed doesn’t have to be big (or seem like a big deal to you); it just has to be SOMETHING.

Seriously. If you’re low in the help-other-people quota, keep a journal. I’d love to read about your daily progress!

Thanks for the comments. The journal idea is an awesome one. I think it could be such a self-perpetuating tool because you’re constantly reminded of the good that’s doing the need that’s out there and the feeling you get when you help someone out. Nice find.

Where are you located and what are you doing with yourself these days? Much catch up soon!